What is "photobiotin"

Photobiotin is a derivative of biotin used as a biochemical tool. It is composed of a biotin group, a linker group, and a photoactivatable nitrophenyl azide group.

The photoactivatable group provides nonspecific labeling of proteins, DNA and RNA probes or other molecules. Biotinylation of DNA and RNA with photoactivatable biotin is easier and less expensive than enzymatic methods since the DNA and RNA does not degrade. Photobiotin is most effectively activated by light at 260-475 nm.